Tag: handicraft

THE 10 GREAT HANDICRAFT PRODUCTS CLASSIFICATION OF INDIA

by Sree DivyaUncategorizedLeave a Comment on THE 10 GREAT HANDICRAFT PRODUCTS CLASSIFICATION OF INDIA

A skilled activity in which something is made in a traditional way with the hands rather than being produced by machines in a factory. India has been known for its customs. When it comes to art and culture, India is among the most culturally rich countries in the world. Handicraft represents Indian’s culture and tradition. The feeling of home is hidden in the small things and the small stories that every item carries with it. The same is the reason behind buying handicrafts. Every piece of craft has a story, a story of the passion of the craftsmen who created it or his inspiration to make it. That’s why craft pieces make the perfect fit for any house. India is one of the leading producers and suppliers of handicraft products in the world. India has been a large producer and supplier of handicraft products for a long time. In Asian countries, handicrafts are as highly wanted as mechanized products in quality and volume and are a major source of their foreign earnings via exports. The artisanal industry is an important source of income for rural communities that employ more than six million artisans, including large numbers of women and people belonging to the weakest sectors of society. The sector is highly creative and produces a large variety of crafts products that are highly consumed and fond of. In India, the creative importance of these craft products is off the roof making sure that it fits in perfectly with the urbanized decor and connects the urban dwellers with their roots. The days of Indus Valley Civilization, artisans and craftsmen have been respected for their excellence in various kinds of handicrafts. That tradition continued well into medieval and colonial times, and flourishes even to this day. Handicrafts products of India are many and distinct from each other. From the Dokra tribal jewelry for West Bengal to the gemstone paintings by the artisans of Jaipur, handicrafts products of India are distinctly different from each other. The various handicrafts products of India can be classified under the following heads, The handicraft items are made from a variety of things like Wood, Stone, Metal, Glass, Cane & Bamboo and Pottery. Here is the list of classification of 10 Handicraft products.

1.Handlooms and Textiles

Indian hand woven fabrics have been known since time immemorial. The handlooms and textile products range from designer textile items to products of home furnishing. Though India was famous even in ancient times as an exporter of textiles to most parts of the civilized world, few actual fabrics of the early dyed or printed cottons have survived. This, it is explained is due to a hot, moist climate and the existence of the monsoons in India. Handlooms are an important craft product and comprise the largest cottage industry of the country. Millions of looms across the country are engaged in weaving cotton, silk and other natural fibers. In the world of handlooms, there are Madras checks from Tamil Nadu, Ikats from Andhra and Orissa, tie and dye from Gujarat and Rajasthan, brocades from Banaras, jacquards form Uttar Pradesh. The famed Coimbatore saris have developed while imitating the Chanderi pattern of Madhya Pradesh. The states of Kashmir and Karnataka are known for their mulberry silk. Andhra Pradesh has made a significant contribution to the history of hand-printed textiles in India. Printing is native to the land, its pigments being obtained from the flowers, leaves and barks of local trees and it chemicals obtained from clay, dung and river sands. India has been well known for textile since very ancient times. The origin of Indian textiles can be traced to the Indus valley civilization. Still we can say India is textile hub and it has thousands of clusters which beautifully weave and give is the most beautiful fabrics which mesmerize our eyes. Kalamkari is a type of hand-painted or block-printed cotton textile. There are two distinctive styles of kalamkari art in India — the Srikalahasti style and the Machilipatnam style. Chikankari is an art, which results in the transformation of the plainest cotton and organdie into flowing yards of magic.

2.Jewelry

The jewelry products from the handicrafts industry in India range from exquisite tribal jewelry to beaded, metal, lacquer and silver jewelry. Jewelry boxes with intricate tribal work are also in vogue and widely manufactured. Handmade jewelry is jewelry which has been made by hand instead of machines. Drilling, cutting, etc. can be done with the help of machines. In earlier times, members of the royal family had their own jewelers who crafted excellent jewelry with their hands according to specific needs. Types of Handmade Jewelry are jadau jewelry, kundan jewelry, gold jewelry, ivory jewelry, filigree jewelry, bead jewelry, pachchiikam jewelry, Lac jewelry etc. The gems and jewelery industry occupies an important position in the Indian economy. It is a leading foreign exchange earner, as well as one of the fastest growing industries in the country. The two major segments of the sector in India are gold jewelery and diamonds. Gold jewelery forms around 80 per cent of the Indian jewelery market. India was one of the first countries to start making fine jewelery from minerals and metals and even today, most of the jewelery made in India is hand-made. India was the first country to introduce diamonds to the world, the first to mine, cut and polish them as well as trade them. The cutting and polishing of diamonds and other precious stones is one of the oldest traditions in India.

3.Apparels and Accessories

In fashion, an accessory is an item used to contribute, in a secondary manner, to an individual’s outfit. Accessories are often chosen to complete an outfit and complement the wearer’s look. They have the capacity to further express an individual’s identity and personality. Accessories come in different shapes, sizes, hues, etc. Traditionally carried accessories include purses and handbags, hand fans, parasols and umbrellas, wallets, canes, and ceremonial swords. Accessories that are worn may include jackets, boots and shoes, cravats, ties, hats, bonnets, belts and suspenders, gloves, muffs, necklaces, bracelets, watches,[a] eyewear, sashes, shawls, scarves, lanyards, socks, pins, piercings, rings, and stockings. Ladies and gents apparels and accessories with a distinctive traditional flavor are also manufactured by the artisans from all over the country and constitute a major part of India’s handicrafts products. Fashion accessories and costume jewelery are things that are used to complement fashion. Accessories facilitate highlight address or attire. They can additionally facilitate to cover a weakness of a dress. Trends are endlessly set by adding accessories to different outfits. Accessories change a complete look, from purse to shoes to earrings and beaded necklaces to leg warmers. Accessories could also be used as external visual symbols of religious or cultural affiliation: Crucifixes, human stars, Muslim headscarves, skullcaps and turbans are common examples. India is credited as one of the oldest and protracted country for making jewelery round the globe.

4.Carpets

Carpets developed in Central and western Asia as coverings for beaten-earth floors. From time immemorial, carpets covered the floors of house and tent as well as mosque and palace. In the homes of wealthy Eastern families, floor coverings serve an aesthetic as well as a practical function. A carpet is a textile floor covering typically consisting of an upper layer of pile attached to a backing. The pile was traditionally made from wool, but since the 20th century, synthetic fibers such as polypropylene, nylon or polyester are often used, as these fibers are less expensive than wool. The pile usually consists of twisted tufts that are typically heat-treated to maintain their structure. The term carpet is often used in a similar context to the term rug, but rugs are typically considered to be smaller than a room and not attached to the floor. Indian carpets have evolved as an art form over the centuries. These woolen or silk coverings have been in vogue over the years and contribute extensively to India’s foreign earnings. Carpeting adds to the décor by using color, patterns, and pile heights. The carpeting can create the image you want in your home or business. With the hundreds of patterns, cuts, and colors, there are literally thousands of possibilities to “fulfill” the style statement. Carpet can help save energy as it is an important contributor to the insulation of the indoor environment. Carpet insulates floors as it provides a psychological feeling of warmth. Several studies find that carpets absorb sound and carpets with padding further enhance this ability. Carpet traps allergens, dust, and other contaminants, holding them until they can be properly removed.

5.Leather Goods

India is famous worldwide for its leather products. Leather is a prominent industry in India. The main sectors from which its demand is derived are fashion, footwear, furniture, interiors and automotive. While the Indian leather totals upto 13 percent of the world’s total production of skins, around 10 percent of world’s footwear production also comes from India. India’s leather industry is bestowed with skilled manpower, innovative technology, increasing industry compliance to international environmental standards and the support of allied industries. India is the second largest exporter of leather garments and third largest exporter of saddlery and harness in the world. In India, the leather is prepared from the raw-hide skin of different animals like buffalo, goat, cow and sheep. Majorly, buffalo skin and goat skin are used to make leather products that are exported to the other countries. In the past, leather was not only used in the manufacture of clothing and footwear, but also in the manufacture of caps, bags, saddles, shields, etc. Madhya Pradesh is also known for its leather goods such as shoes, bags and clothing. Maharashtra is also famous for its Kolhapuri cocoons. The major production centers for leather and leather products in India are located in the States of Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Rajastan, Kerala. Leather, a material liked by people around the world, has been used over the years by India’s handicraft artisans to produce footwear, bags, belts, cloths and other home accessories.

6.Paintings

Indian painting has a very long tradition and history in Indian art, though because of the climatic conditions very few early examples survive.[1] The earliest Indian paintings were the rock paintings of prehistoric times, such as the petroglyphs found in places like Bhimbetka rock shelters. Miniature paintings and folk art paintings are an artisan’s expression in pictorial form and have long formed an integral part of India’s handicrafts products. India has a very rich culture and tradition and it portrays it through its amazing art and craft. some of the types of Indian paintings are Phad Painting, Madhubani Painting, Warli Painting, Gond Painting, Kalamkari Painting, Cheriyal Scrolls, Patachitra Painting, Tanjore Painting, Kalamezhuthu, Mandana Art, Rajput Painting etc.

7.Garments

The textile industry of India captured the world market with its intricate artwork. Indian garments with its beautiful design and embroideries have long been a favorite in the international market. With a large variety in fabric and richness in their design, the Indian garment industry is flourishing business worldwide. The Garment Industry of India is an Rs -one trillion industry. Overall about 25 % of the volume of its garment production goes into export markets, leaving 75 % for domestic consumption. The Industry covers over one lakh units and employs about 6 million workers, both directly and indirectly in almost equal proportion. The indirect portion helps to sustain the direct production sector in the shape of items associated with the garment industry production including sewing/embroidery thread, buttons, buckles, zippers, metal plates, cardboard sheets, plastic butterflies and packaging material. Fibre-wise, 80% of the production is of cotton garments, 15% of synthetic/mixed garments and the rest of silk and wool garments. Indian sub continent is the second largest manufacturer of garments after China being the global leader in garment production. India is known for its high quality garments for men and most of the garment manufacturers are in the Small and Medium scale industry. India’s Garment Industry isa well-organized enterprise and is among the best in the world. It constitutes of designers, manufacturers, exporters, suppliers, stockists,and wholesalers. Indian Garment Industry has carved out a niche in the global markets and earned a reputation for its durability, quality and beauty. Today’schanging consumer preferences – buying branded apparel and fashion accessories, major boom in retail industry, people shopping at department and discountstores, shopping malls, with rising disposable incomes, government policy focused on fast-track textile export growth, and ambitious goals have created severalinvestment opportunities in India.

8.Paper Products

The paper industry of India was always vied for in the export market and considerably rules a strong position in the world. With varied types of paper products like paper bags, table accessories, and decorative, the industry is sure to enjoy its favorable position in the market. India’s share in the demand for paper across the globe were analysed is growing, as the domestic demand is increasing at a steady pace, while the demand in western nations is shrinking. The Indian paper & paper products market is projected to grow from $ 8.6 billion in 2018 to $ 13.4 billion by 2024, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.8% during 2019-2024. Growing manufacturing sector, requirement of better quality packaging of FMCG products marketed through organized retail and the demand for the upstream market of paper products, such as tissue paper, filter paper, tea bags, light weight online coated paper and medical grade coated paper are expected to drive the paper & paper products market in India in coming years. The Indian paper & paper products market has been segmented into raw material, application and region. Based on raw material, the market has been categorized into waste & recycled paper, wood and agro residue. The waste & recycled paper segment is expected to dominate the market during forecast period, owing to growing concerns about the cutting down of trees for producing pulp. Further, based on application, the market has been bifurcated into writing & printing paper, paperboard & packaging, newsprint and specialty paper.

9.Furniture

Manipuris an important center for Tarkashi, metal thread work, done in furniture. Sankheda in Gujaratis an important center for lathe- worked lacquered furniture. The Punjab regions are famous for their exquisite wooden furniture. Kashmir is famous for its artifacts made of walnut. Chhattisgarh craftsmen specialize in wooden crafts such as doors, window frames, and sculptures. Jharkhand is famous for its wooden toys that are always in pairs. Goa wood carvings are an aesthetic mix of Portuguese and Indian cultures, and the designs are primarily floral, animal and human figures. It is mainly made of rosewood and sandalwood engraved with designs of flowers, vines, birds, and animals. Magnificent female figures are carved from Kumbli wood in Kerala. Woodworking is the skill of making items from wood, and includes cabinet making, wood carving, joinery, carpentry, and woodturning. In Rajasthan,wooden figures of Ghangore, a form of Parvathi is worshipped. Tamilnadu has a well developed tradition of woodcarving used for decorating houses and temples. Furniture products of India are also shares a great favoritism in the world export market. Beautifully designed Beds, Stools, Cabinets, Tables, Chairs, Mirror Frames, Home Temples, Sofa Sets holds a strong position in the market.

10.Zardozi

From the medieval times the art of Zardozi has flourished, reaching its zenith under the patronage of Emperor Akbar. This gorgeous embroidery reveals artistic use of laid stitch with golden thread. It can be seen in wall hangings, chain stitch on saris, caps and other articles with heavy embroidery. As the embroidery is densely performed, designs done are extremely intricate. Initially, the embroidery was done with pure silver wires and real gold leaves. The making of zari thread is a very tedious job involving winding, twisting, wire drawing and gold plating of thread. The embroidery of zari zardozi is performed in a very interesting manner. Gold wire is carefully revolved around a silver bar tapered at one end. Then they are heated in furnace till gold and silver alloy is formed. The gilt wire, when drawn through a series of holes made on steel plates, comes out glittering as gold. The gold-coated silver wire is then flattened and twisted around silk thread to obtain zari. Zardozi has remained as an appliqué method of embroidery. With one hand the craftsman holds a retaining thread below the fabric. In the other he holds a hook or a needle with which he picks up the appliqué materials. Then he passes the needle or hook through the fabric. After hours of painstaking labor, the result is an exquisite gold-veined work of art. The intricate gold designs are made from silk, velvet, and even fabrics famous in the state of Uttar Pradesh. However, today, artisans use a combination of copper wire, with a gold or silver polish, and a silk thread. This embroidery work is mainly a specialty of Lucknow, Bhopal, Hyderabad, Delhi, Agra, Kashmir, Mumbai, Ajmer, and Chennai. The art of zardozi was revived along with many traditional methods of embroidery in the middle of this century. Zari work was mainly done in Madras and zardozi in Hyderabad until a few decades ago. Today, Uttar Pradesh is home to this finest work of gold and silver embroidery. This craft has caught on to a larger region of Bareilly such as Allampur, Faridpur, Biharkala, Nawabganj and Chandpur.

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THE 10 GREAT HANDICRAFTS OF INDIA THAT WE MUST BUY

by Sree DivyaUncategorizedLeave a Comment on THE 10 GREAT HANDICRAFTS OF INDIA THAT WE MUST BUY

A skilled activity in which something is made in a traditional way with the hands rather than being produced by machines in a factory. Tourists visiting India are often enamoured of its superb handicrafts, as much as its people. India has been known for its customs. When it comes to art and culture, India is among the most culturally rich countries in the world. Handicraft represents Indian’s culture and tradition. The feeling of home is hidden in the small things and the small stories that every item carries with it. The same is the reason behind buying handicrafts. Every piece of craft has a story, a story of the passion of the craftsmen who created it or his inspiration to make it. That’s why craft pieces make the perfect fit for any house. India is one of the leading producers and suppliers of handicraft products in the world. India has been a large producer and supplier of handicraft products for a long time. In Asian countries, handicrafts are as highly wanted as mechanized products in quality and volume and are a major source of their foreign earnings via exports. The artisanal industry is an important source of income for rural communities that employ more than six million artisans, including large numbers of women and people belonging to the weakest sectors of society. The sector is highly creative and produces a large variety of crafts products that are highly consumed and fond of. In India, the creative importance of these craft products is off the roof making sure that it fits in perfectly with the urbanized decor and connects the urban dwellers with their roots. The days of Indus Valley Civilization, artisans and craftsmen have been respected for their excellence in various kinds of handicrafts. That tradition continued well into medieval and colonial times, and flourishes even to this day. List of 10 Handicrafts of India That We must buy.

1) Pashmina shawl

Pashmina is considered the finest craftsmanship in the world which transforms the exceptionally warm and delicate Cashmere threads to opulent accessories. The fleece of Changthangi Goat is known as Pashm. This goat is exotic and is only found there, 15000 feet above sea level in Ladakh – Jammu and Kashmir, making the art of Pashmina even rarer and revered all over the world. This art was favoured with royal patronage. Kings, queens, royal families and nobles all over the world knew Pashmina. In fact, they owned a large number of shawls and scarves. It was in the 16th century when the birthplace of Pashmina – Kashmir – was under Mughal rule, that Pashmina was discovered. Pashmina may refer either to the material or to the variant of the Kashmir shawl that is made from it. Both generic cashmere and pashmina come from the same goat, but generic cashmere ranges from 12 to 21 microns in diameter, whereas pashmina refers only to those fibres that range from 12 to 16 microns. Besides employing literate as well as illiterate persons in both rural and urban areas, it acts as a subsidiary source of income for farmers who remain unemployed during the off-season. The most important aspect is that it should be hand spun and hand woven only. All steps, from combing and spinning, to weaving and finishing, are done entirely by hand by dedicated craftsmen and women. The main production center for Pashmina fabrics is the old Srinagar district. To produce a single Pashmina shawl it takes approximately 180 hours.

girl in white crew neck shirt lying on red and brown floral textile
Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

2) Woodwork

Woodworking is the skill of making items from wood, and includes cabinet making, wood carving, joinery, carpentry, and woodturning. In Rajasthan,wooden figures of Ghangore, a form of Parvathi is worshipped. Tamilnadu has a well developed tradition of woodcarving used for decorating houses and temples. The Tanjore dolls made of wood form a part of the rituals followed here and they are also used for educating small children. The Tirupathi red dolls are meant for sales for the pilgrims. Kondapalli is famous for its toys. Manipuris an important center for Tarkashi, metal thread work, done in furniture. Sankheda in Gujaratis an important center for lathe- worked lacquered furniture. The Punjab regions are famous for their exquisite wooden furniture. Kashmir is famous for its artifacts made of walnut. Chhattisgarh craftsmen specialize in wooden crafts such as doors, window frames, and sculptures. Jharkhand is famous for its wooden toys that are always in pairs. Goa wood carvings are an aesthetic mix of Portuguese and Indian cultures, and the designs are primarily floral, animal and human figures. It is mainly made of rosewood and sandalwood engraved with designs of flowers, vines, birds, and animals. Magnificent female figures are carved from Kumbli wood in Kerala. Karnataka is specialized in sandalwood carving. Rajasthanmaintains a rich tradition of stonecarving even in the common domesticbuildings.

3) Ceramic

Ceramic is considered the most sensual form of all the arts. The tradition of handmade pottery has been prevalent in India since the time of the Harappan civilization. Pottery in the Indian subcontinent has an ancient history and is one of the most tangible and iconic elements of Indian art. This article covers pottery vessels, mainly from the ancient Indian cultures known from archaeology. There has also been much figurative sculpture and decorative tilework in ceramics in the subcontinent, with the production of terracotta figurines being widespread in different regions and periods. In Bengal in particular, a lack of stone produced an extensive tradition of architectural sculpture for temples and mosques in terracotta and carved brick. In Rajasthan, Bikaner is famous for its painted pottery, Pokhran for its geometric patterned pottery, and Alwar for its Kagzi pottery. Jaipur blue pottery is also very famous. Jaipur blue pottery is also very famous.

4) Leather

India is famous worldwide for its leather products. Leather is a prominent industry in India. The main sectors from which its demand is derived are fashion, footwear, furniture, interiors and automotive. While the Indian leather totals upto 13 percent of the world’s total production of skins, around 10 percent of world’s footwear production also comes from India. India’s leather industry is bestowed with skilled manpower, innovative technology, increasing industry compliance to international environmental standards and the support of allied industries. India is the second largest exporter of leather garments and third largest exporter of saddlery and harness in the world. In India, the leather is prepared from the raw-hide skin of different animals like buffalo, goat, cow and sheep. Majorly, buffalo skin and goat skin are used to make leather products that are exported to the other countries. In the past, leather was not only used in the manufacture of clothing and footwear, but also in the manufacture of caps, bags, saddles, shields, etc. Madhya Pradesh is also known for its leather goods such as shoes, bags and clothing. Maharashtra is also famous for its Kolhapuri cocoons. The major production centers for leather and leather products in India are located in the States of Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Rajastan, Kerala.

5) Jute

India is the world’s biggest producer of jute, followed by Bangladesh. Jute is primarily grown in West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Andhra Pradesh. Jute is the second most abundant natural fibre in the world. It has high tensile strength, acoustic and thermal insulation, breathability, low extensibility, ease of blending with both synthetic and natural fibres, and antistatic properties. Jute production is a labour intensive industry. It employs about two lakh workers in the West Bengal alone and 4 lakh workers across the country. Jute can be used: for insulation (replacing glass wool), geotextiles, activated carbon powder, wall coverings, flooring, garments, rugs, ropes, gunny bags, handicrafts, curtains, carpet backings, paper, sandals, carry bags, and furniture. The wide variety of jute crafts includes bags, office stationery, bracelets and other jewelry, footwear, tapestries and many more. The production process in the Jute Industry goes through a variety of activities, which include cultivation of raw jute, processing of jute fibres, spinning, weaving, bleaching, dyeing, finishing and marketing of both, the raw jute and its finished products.

6) Shell

From Conches, tortoise shell and seashell shells crafts are made in India. You can find three types of shells made from shell crafts in India. Different types of products such as bracelets, forks, decorative bowls, medallions, curtains, chandeliers, mirror frames, tablecloths, decorating pots, lockets, lanterns, etc. are products of shell crafts. In specific, shell handicraft locations on the sea such as the Gulf of Mannar, Odisha, Goa etc. are present here and at lower rates in excess. You can also buy shell jewellery and bracelets in West Bengal. It is basically craft making which involves a lot of creativity which will enhance the look of what we do with the shells. Seashell is a gift of nature to man and they are found in a variety of shapes, size and color. It is simply a folk art which is carried out by amateurs, however in some cases, it is also used for business making and the means to livelihood.

7) Brass Crafts

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. A diverse range of brass can be created simply by varying the proportion of these two ingredients. Brass has a yellow color that is somewhat similar to gold. It is also fairly resistant to tarnishing. The discovery of metals made the lives of man easy as the metal products proved to be such a great help for them that they successfully completed some impossible tasks. India is well known for its beautiful brass craft, which covers a wide range of products, ranging from decoration items to utility ware. India, in fact, is one of the largest brass makers in the world. The art of brass craft has been practiced for almost 5 million years. Brass is known for its durability, and this feature adds to its advantage when used as a craft. Various items include the Lord Ganesha figure in different postures, vases, tables, perforated lamps, ornament boxes, wine glasses and many more are widely used in many Indian houses. These craftsmen dealing with brass crafts are known distinctly as “Kansaris”. Advantage of Brass has several characteristic properties that make it the ideal choice for art and craft. Brass is It is a long lasting metal , requires little maintenance and it is similar to gold, gives it a very attractive appearance.

8) Bamboo Crafts

As we all know that excessive use of wooden products can harm our eco system. There is one beautiful and strong supplement of wood which is cane and bamboo. These two are ecofriendly, light weighted, and strong. These have more life than wood, low maintenance, and easily portable. They have unique and elegant styles which are liked by everyone. These two are used to make different items for daily use and for decoration. Although India is famous for its handiwork but the state of west Bengal is pretty much good in their bamboo and cane craft. artisans of northeast India mostly make trays, unique furniture, decorative lamps, fans, hand bags, lamp shades and jewellery. The various other items made from bamboo are baskets, dolls, toys, furniture, mats, tapestries, crossbows, bamboo houses, hats, musical instruments, stools, kurup and khasi umbrella, bridges, smoking pipes, trays, knives, barrels and many more.

9) Phulkari

Sitting on the charpoys (beds woven with jute strings) pulled into the protective shade of a tree, or ensconced against a wall, women in villages and small towns all over Punjab are often busy creating spectacular flower-embroidery on dupattas, shawls or other garments. The word phulkari literally means flowering. It is a form of craft in which embroidery is done in a simple and sparse design over shawls and dupattas. In some cases where the design is worked over very closely, covering the material entirely, it is called bagh. The embroidery of phulkari and bagh is done in long and short darn stitch, which is created into innumerable designs and patterns. It is the skilful manipulation of this single stitch that lends an interesting and characteristic dimension to this needlework. While the stitch itself is uncomplicated, the quality of the phulkari depends upon the size of the stitch. The smaller the stitch, the finer the embroidery. The threads used were of a silk yarn called pat. In the past, the silk threads were brought in from different parts of India, like Kashmir and Bengal. The cloth primarily used and preferred by the women, was the home-spun, locally woven and dyed khadi. It was strong, long-lasting, and cheap and served the purpose of keeping the wearer warm during winters. Another reason was that the embroidery involved the counting of threads while doing the straight darn stitch. The coarse weave made this task easier. First brought to the Punjab state by the migrant population of Jaat, Phulkari is now equally loved across the country. Over time, various techniques and types of Phulkari embroidery have emerged in India, such as Thirma, Darshan Dwar, Chope, Meenakari, and Kaudi Bagh, among others.

10) Zardozi

From the medieval times the art of Zardozi has flourished, reaching its zenith under the patronage of Emperor Akbar. This gorgeous embroidery reveals artistic use of laid stitch with golden thread. It can be seen in wall hangings, chain stitch on saris, caps and other articles with heavy embroidery. As the embroidery is densely performed, designs done are extremely intricate. The gold wire known as zari is the thread used for zardozi embroidery. The making of zari thread is a very tedious job involving winding, twisting, wire drawing and gold plating of thread. The embroidery of zari zardozi is performed in a very interesting manner. Gold wire is carefully revolved around a silver bar tapered at one end. Then they are heated in furnace till gold and silver alloy is formed. The gilt wire, when drawn through a series of holes made on steel plates, comes out glittering as gold. The gold-coated silver wire is then flattened and twisted around silk thread to obtain zari. Zardozi has remained as an appliqué method of embroidery. With one hand the craftsman holds a retaining thread below the fabric. In the other he holds a hook or a needle with which he picks up the appliqué materials. Then he passes the needle or hook through the fabric. After hours of painstaking labor, the result is an exquisite gold-veined work of art. The intricate gold designs are made from silk, velvet, and even fabrics famous in the state of Uttar Pradesh. However, today, artisans use a combination of copper wire, with a gold or silver polish, and a silk thread. This embroidery work is mainly a specialty of Lucknow, Bhopal, Hyderabad, Delhi, Agra, Kashmir, Mumbai, Ajmer, and Chennai. The art of zardozi was revived along with many traditional methods of embroidery in the middle of this century. Zari work was mainly done in Madras and zardozi in Hyderabad until a few decades ago. Today, Uttar Pradesh is home to this finest work of gold and silver embroidery. This craft has caught on to a larger region of Bareilly such as Allampur, Faridpur, Biharkala, Nawabganj and Chandpur.

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THE 10 GREAT INCREDIBLE PLACES TO BUY HANDICRAFTS IN INDIA

by Sree DivyaUncategorizedLeave a Comment on THE 10 GREAT INCREDIBLE PLACES TO BUY HANDICRAFTS IN INDIA

A skilled activity in which something is made in a traditional way with the hands rather than being produced by machines in a factory. Tourists visiting India are often enamoured of its superb handicrafts, as much as its people. However, some, if not all, find the best places to buy unique handicrafts in India quite a challenge. Handicraft represents Indian’s culture and tradition. The feeling of home is hidden in the small things and the small stories that every item carries with it. The same is the reason behind buying handicrafts. Every piece of craft has a story, a story of the passion of the craftsmen who created it or his inspiration to make it. That’s why craft pieces make the perfect fit for any house. India is one of the leading producers and suppliers of handicraft products in the world. India has been a large producer and supplier of handicraft products for a long time. In Asian countries, handicrafts are as highly wanted as mechanized products in quality and volume and are a major source of their foreign earnings via exports. The artisanal industry is an important source of income for rural communities that employ more than six million artisans, including large numbers of women and people belonging to the weakest sectors of society. The sector is highly creative and produces a large variety of crafts products that are highly consumed and fond of. In India, the creative importance of these craft products is off the roof making sure that it fits in perfectly with the urbanized decor and connects the urban dwellers with their roots. The most attractive thing about handicraft items is ecological property. Use pieces of wood, recycled plastics, bottles, and other waste materials that make beautiful pieces of craft supplies. The days of Indus Valley Civilization, artisans and craftsmen have been respected for their excellence in various kinds of handicrafts. That tradition continued well into medieval and colonial times, and flourishes even to this day. List of 10 incredible places for handicraft shopping is as follows.

1.Kripal Kumbh, Jaipur, Rajasthan

The Jaipur handicrafts are famous the world over. The artists and craftsmen of Jaipur have modelled these handicrafts into alluring objects of art. Some handicrafts are used for home décor while others are for daily use. While traveling to Rajasthan in West India, make your way to Kripal Kumbh, a small showroom in Jaipur’s Bani park. This showroom was set up in the 1960’s by Kripal Singh Shekhawat, a famous artist of the time. It is believed that blue pottery made its way to Jaipur from Kashmir under the reign of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II during the 19th century. He was so impressed by its design and appearance that he decided it should be taught at all art schools. Today, the showrooms exhibit a variety of pottery designs, both classical and modern. We can buy a wide range of blue pottery items there, from trays to animal figures. Kripal Singh Shekhawat, the founder of Kripal Kumbh, was conferred the Padma Shri in 1774 and awarded with the title “Shilp Guru” by the Government of India in 2002. There are a variety of blue pottery items available at the showroom. These are sugar pots, Egg holders, cups, dinnerware, visiting card holders, coasters, incense holders, paper weights, jars, vases, trays, crockery, jewellery boxes, serving trays. The pottery stands out with its vibrant blue and golden designs, or animal and bird motifs.

2.Must Art Gallery, Delhi

Delhi boasts its rich tradition and sound cultural values. The rich heritage and culture can be seen in the lifestyle, demography, art, crafts and music. Must Art Gallery is an assortment of great pieces of contemporary tribal art paintings and sculptures, THE GOND ART that originated from the tribes of Central India. Must Art Gallery is renowned art gallery offering various Indian Tribal art paintings including Gond art, Warli art, Kalighat art, Madhubani art and others by popular Indian artists. It is constantly growing and innovating to meet the needs of the changing times lies in the conjunction with true soul of indigenous cultures and its people. The gallery enters into the aesthetic awareness of every life through the assimilation and propagation of GOND ART and other art forms, culturally distinctive with its exceptional ethos. It is an effort to make a typical stage to encourage the tribal artists to rise above social and cultural boundaries and paint the language of the universe in their own extraordinary way.

3.Sambhali Boutique, Rajasthan

Sambhali Boutique, located in the centre of Jodhpur, provides an outlet for the clothes, accessories and handicraft items produced by the women in our Sambhali Graduates’ Sewing Centre. Sambhali Trust founded on 16 January 2007, the organisation aims to empower Dalit women and children in Rajasthan through educational programs, vocational training, and social services. The name “Sambhali” means “rising of the deprived women”. It has a rigorous quality control procedure for every item produced in the Sewing Centre, ensuring that only products of exceptional quality are sold within their Boutique. Sambhali Trust is a non-profit organisation, so any profit accured from the sales of items through the Boutique, after paying for raw materials, wages, and shop overheads, we can directly back into the organization supporting its many projects, helping to make the organization self-sustainable. They feel very fortunate that a number of their international volunteers have been skilled dress makers, meaning their graduates have the opportunity to learn how to produce western style garments. As every product is hand-made, orders can be customized to accommodate the customer’s needs, with variations in color, fabric and style easily possible. Their merchandise includes a variety of Indian and Western-style garments, silk and cotton camels and elephants, block-printed scarves, a selection of shoulder bags, and many other items, each one handmade and unique in their own special way. Located in the heart of Jodhpur, the boutique offers a variety of both Indian and Western-style garments, accessories and homeware, ideal to take home for souvenirs or just a treat for yourself to remind you of time spent in Jodhpur. Sambhali Trust is financed mainly through foreign donations and grants.

4.Kala Madhyam, Bangalore

Kala Madhyam is a non-governmental organization established on March 8th 2002. Kala Madhyam is dedicated to supporting and empowering traditional (folk and tribal) artists and artisans. To this end they run the Kala Madhyam Store that has over 15 exquisite folk and tribal paintings, handicrafts (metal art, pottery, apparel, toys etc) from across India and specializes in wall murals. In India, art and craft are not merely decorative. They are conceived from the creative vision of common people; inspired by their deep devotion to god, their spiritual communion with nature and the wisdom of their traditions. Art is therefore, a reflection of the self and community, a socially unifying force. Kala Madhyam is dedicated to supporting and empowering traditional (folk and tribal) Indian artists and artisans through systematic and sustained development efforts. They seek to ensure their social and economic well-being, nurture creative community enterprises, foster global recognition and collaboration for indigenous arts, and promote, protect and preserve the integrity and diversity of Indian art, craft and culture. The organization is operational in Karnataka, India. Kala Madhyam works in the area of Art & Culture, etc. The NGO works towards the promotion of sustainable development.

5.Raghurajpur Heritage Village, Odisha

Raghurajpur is a heritage crafts village out of Puri district, India, known for its master Pattachitra painters. Apart from that, the village is also home to crafts like Tussar paintings, Palm leaf Engravings, Stone carvings, Wood carvings, Cowdung toys and Papier mache toys, and masks. Whenever someone speaks about “Heritage”, everyone instantly remember about Raghurajpur. Raghurajpur is the heritage crafts village of Odisha. It is not just any ordinary village, it is the heart and soul of creativity. Located around 12 kms away from Puri, Raghurajpur is the home of around 500 Chitrakars. Each household has at least one Chitrakar who is highly skilled and immensely creative. Raghurajpur is famous for Pattachitra: paintings on a piece of cloth. There are many types of Pattachitra like Tassar cloth Pattachitra, Palm leaf Pattachitra etc. With evolution and innovation, now the Chitrakars have started painting exquisite Pattachitras on coconuts, betel nuts, clay pots & bottles. They will welcome you to their home. They will show you their art, crafts & paintings patiently. They will tell you about their tales of struggle. They will explain the process of their trade. The art form is used to decorate none other the Lord of the Universe- Lord Jagannath and his siblings. The attachment with the holy trinity elevated the art form helped it gain prominence.In 2000, after a two-year research and documentation project by INTACH, starting 1998, the village was chosen to be developed as state’s first heritage village and developed as a Crafts village, soon the village had an interpretation centre, commissioned artwork on the walls of the artists’ homes and a rest house.

6.Devrai Art Village, Maharashtra

Devrai Art Village is a non profit initiative to connect with nature and celebrate creativity. A core group of highly skilled Adivasi craftsmen and artists from the naxalite affected areas of Gadchiroli & Chattisgarh find a livelihood and a safe refuge here in Panchgani. The unique and distinctivtive style of our product range comes out through combinations of different mediums such as iron, brass, stone, wood, bamboo and fabric. They believe in empowering craftsmen and not in doing charity.
Todays idea of “development” has broken the link which connects us to the whole. In modern times nature is commodified and relationships have turned into transactions. Devrai Art Village attemps to amend this broken link and make the process of creation a joyous experience. This village facilitates their interaction with design schools and resource persons from other areas to enable a cross pollination of ideas. It also facilitates direct interaction of craftsmen with customers in order to obtain insights into the marketing and sale process. It create an environment that offers opportunities to explore the linkages between indigenous art and nature. Devrai Art Village strives to empower the craftsmen by giving them new design ideas and marketing possibilities. More than that we seek to nurture a way of living where Nature is not looked upon as a mere resource but where plants, animals and humans are seen as interdependent and where art can reflect the sacredness of Nature. In the true spirit of a ‘Devrai’ or a sacred grove They are trying to nurture a variety of plants , shrubs and creepers so that it offers a glimpse into a way of being where the man nature connect is not severed under the onslaught of modernism. The unique and distinctivtive style of their product range of comes out through combinations of different mediums such as iron, brass, stone, and terracotta. What we are known for is Rock Dhokra(Fusion of Brass & stone), a completely new invention which we are getting a patent for.

7.Dilli Haat, Delhi

The DILLI HAAT provides the ambience of a traditional Rural Haat or village market, but one suited for more contemporary needs. Here one sees a synthesis of crafts, food and cultural activity. This Food and Craft Bazar is a treasure house of Indian culture, handicrafts and ethnic cuisine, A unique bazaar, in the heart of the city, it displays the richness of Indian culture on a permanent basis. Dilli Haat, Janakpuri gives ample opportunity for food lovers to savor delectable lip smacking food as there are 14 Nos. of food stalls set up where one will be able to savor the flavors from across the country and 15 food stalls serving cuisines from around the world. Delhi got its third Dilli Haat on 13 July, 2014 as Dilli Haat at Janakpuri was inaugurated in a colorful ceremony by Sh. Parvesh Sahib Singh, Hon’ble MP. Sh. Jagdish Mukhi, Hon’ble MLA and Smt. Rajni Mamtani, Hon’ble Councilor graced the occasion with their presence. Dilli Haat is a paid-entrance open-air market, food plaza, and craft bazaar located in Delhi. The area is run by Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC), and unlike the traditional weekly market, the village Haat, Dilli Haat is permanent. It is located in the commercial centres of South Delhi, opposite INA market. The 6 acres of land on which this complex is situated was salvaged as part of a reclamation project and transformed into a plaza. Extensive foundation work, small thatched roof cottages and kiosks give the plaza a village atmosphere. The culture and the environment of dilli Haat is very good. People from outside come and visit Dilli Haat. It is a good place to visit with family and friends. Some shops are permanent but other sellers are rotated, usually for fifteen days.[1] Products offered may include rosewood and sandalwood carvings, embellished camel hide footwear, sophisticated fabric and drapery, gems, beads, brassware, metal crafts, and silk & wool fabrics. A number of shows promoting handicrafts and handlooms are held at the exhibition hall in the complex. To sell wares, there is an application process; spaces are allocated according to which state the seller is from.[2] In all, Dilli Haat, INA Market has 62 stalls allotted on a rotational basis to craftsmen for a payment of INR 100 per day for a maximum period of 15 days. Dilli Haat was established jointly by Delhi Tourism (DTDC), Government of Delhi and NDMC, D.C. (Handicrafts) and D.C. (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles and Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India and opened in March 1994.

8.Tilonia, Rajasthan

Tilonia is a village in Ajmer district in Rajasthan state in western India. It is home of the NGO, Barefoot College founded by renowned social worker Bunker Roy. Tilonia is also home of eShala.org, Online educational portal co-founded by Kartar Jat. This village has become a model for all remote villages for education, economic and social development. Tilonia is also known as education hub with its meritorious students in Navoday Vidyalaya and village school. At present this esteemed and world renowned college gives training for rural women who are poor from nearly 49 countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America. The Social Work and Research Centre, popularly called the Barefoot College, founded by social activist and educator Bunker Roy, has been working on changing all this since 1972. Working in the fields of education, solar power, electrification and sustainability, the organization aims to, “support a journey to empowerment, one village at a time, one woman at a time.” Spread over more than 8 acres of land, the campus of Barefoot College was built between 1980 and 1986, designed by a team of rural ‘barefoot’ architects, masons, blacksmiths, farmers and members of women groups who sat and struggled through the initial basic designing of the campus. This institution believes in imparting informal, non-structured, on-the-job practical training by identifying the poor, unemployed youth who have been unable to finish their formal education and have returned to their respective villages as dropouts.

9.Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh

Moradabad is a city, commissionary sand municipal corporation in Moradabad district of Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Moradabad is situated on the banks of the Ramganga river, at a distance of 167 km (104 mi) from the national capital, New Delhi and 344 km north-west of the state capital Lucknow. Moradabad was founded in 1625 by Rustam Khan, a Mughal general who built the fort north of the city as well as the Jāmiʿ Masjid (Great Mosque). The city, located at a major road and rail junction, is a trade centre for agricultural products. Industries include cotton milling and weaving, metalworking, electroplating, and printing. Grains, cotton, and sugarcane are grown. Sugar milling and cotton weaving are the principal industries. The Raza Library is a place that holds great historical significance in the city. It has some of the greatest manuscripts and an amazing collection of pictures and inscriptions on palm leaves in many different languages.

10.Channapatna, Karnataka

Channapatana is a city and taluk headquarter in Ramanagara District, Karnataka, India. Channapatna is located on the Bangalore – Mysore highway. It is about 55 km from Bangalore and 80 km from Mysore. Channapatna is also called Town of toys. This traditional craft is protected as a geographical indication (GI) under the World Trade Organization, administered by the Government of Karnataka. The use of Lac (lacquer resin) for wood finish, cosmetics, toys, bangles and dye is much earlier in ancient India. The city is famous for its wooden toys and lacquerware. These toys are manufactured in traditional and advanced small-scale industries. Manufacturing and twisting of raw silk, rice, ragi and coconut is a major product of Channapattana taluk. The traditional ivory-wood, other woods—including rubber, sycamore, cedar, pine and teak—are now used as well. Manufacturing stages include procuring the wood, seasoning the wood, cutting the wood into the desired shapes, pruning and carving the toys, applying the colors and finally polishing the finished product. Vegetable dyes are used in the coloring process to ensure that the toys and dolls are safe for use by children. The incredible streets of Channapatna are filled with the colorful wooden toys which one cannot find anywhere else. The small town produces ample wooden toys which are so unique and showcases the unblemished talent of the craftsmen.

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